Best Atlantic Beach not far from Wdw

[Meldev]

looking for recommendations about nearby beaches - I wanted to do Clearwater but my kids are all about riding the waves...

 

[BigredNole]

Waves are dependent on the ocean, weather, moon, and other factors. You could wind up going and it be flat as glass. Planning a beach day for waves is not the best route. If you want waves, go to Typhoon Lagoon. That is pretty much guaranteed.

 

[Klayfish]

Definitely agree that waves are not a guarantee, and Typhoon Lagoon will give you all the waves you can handle. That said, yes, the Atlantic side is much better for potential waves. We typically go to Daytona Beach. It's a very easy drive from WDW and only takes about an hour. We love it. Drive right up onto the beach, literally, so no lugging all your stuff from the parking lot.

 

[Meldev]

haha - yes I realize waves are not a guarantee, but hedging my bets on the Atlantic side of the state versus the gulf (which is typically calmer). We frequent myrtle beach, but wanted to try somewhere in Florida this year. We had the kids to Huntington Beach, CA after our first Disneyland trip this past fall and I know we wont come close to waves like that, but they prefer more of an ocean adventure than just wading into the water (which I prefer!)....I have been checking out Daytona .. thanks

 

[Woodview]

Cocoa Beach ..... Ron Jon's .... Surf Shop ..... Good waves

Lots to do 1 1/2 hrs Drive ( 70 Miles )

 

[keishashadow]

haha - yes I realize waves are not a guarantee, but hedging my bets on the Atlantic side of the state versus the gulf (which is typically calmer). We frequent myrtle beach, but wanted to try somewhere in Florida this year. We had the kids to Huntington Beach, CA after our first Disneyland trip this past fall and I know we wont come close to waves like that, but they prefer more of an ocean adventure than just wading into the water (which I prefer!)....I have been checking out Daytona .. thanks

Daytona Beach is similar to MBeach but water is much clearer. Just back from a trip that included a few nights @ the Tropical Winds which is north of the boardwalk area. Far enough away from the hubbub and large homeless population that tends to congregate there that we observed during a stay @ the Hilton last summer.

View from balcony


Low tide has very wide beach, plenty of space for vehicles and pedestrians. Waves in the background




If just doing a day trip On the drive down to the Ponce Lighthouse noticed a public park on the beach, didn't see if parking was free or not.

Clearwater is beautiful with blazing white sand but so calm. Not a fan of Cocoa beach, very small area vs the other beaches referenced.

 

[HeatherC]

Is Daytona really only an hour? Thought Cocoa Beach was closer to Disney. May have to do a day there.